Classic Chicken Salad

The Story Behind the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

There are recipes that come and go with trends, and then there are the ones that stand the test of time — the ones that never need reinventing because they’re already perfect. For me, that’s this Classic Chicken Salad.

Every family seems to have their own version of it. Maybe your grandma made it with extra mayo and a pinch of paprika. Maybe your mom tossed in grapes or chopped nuts. Or maybe you remember the kind from an old-school diner, piled high between two slices of toasted bread, with lettuce peeking out the sides. However you know it, one thing’s for sure — chicken salad has been comforting generations.

I grew up watching my grandmother make it every Sunday afternoon. She’d pull out her big mixing bowl, leftover roast chicken, a bunch of crunchy celery, and a jar of mayo. She never measured a thing — she just knew. A little salt here, a dash of lemon there, and that was it. Somehow, it always tasted exactly the same — creamy, savory, perfectly balanced.

When I started cooking on my own, I wanted to recreate that same feeling: that mix of comfort, simplicity, and homemade love. Over time, I added my own little touches — a hint of Dijon mustard for tang, a spoonful of lemon juice for brightness, and just enough crunch to keep it interesting.

This recipe is my love letter to those comforting flavors. Whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch, meal prepping for the week, or whipping up something quick for guests, this Classic Chicken Salad never fails. It’s nostalgic, easy, and deliciously timeless — just the way it should be.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

There are hundreds of chicken salad recipes out there, but what makes this Classic Chicken Salad truly stand out is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s creamy, but not heavy. Savory, but still fresh. Simple, but endlessly satisfying.

Here’s why this recipe deserves the “classic” title:

• Texture perfection: Tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing in every bite.
• Balanced flavor: A little tang from mustard and lemon, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of savory richness.
• Easy ingredients: Everything you need is already in your kitchen.
• Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich, wrap, salad topping, or dip — it never gets boring.

This Classic Chicken Salad is the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and fresh — a timeless favorite for a reason.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced (rotisserie works beautifully)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter texture)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts (for crunch)
• ½ cup halved red grapes or dried cranberries (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill (for freshness)

For Serving

• Croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce cups, or crackers
• Extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for garnish

Ingredient Tip: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but if you cook your own, season it lightly with salt and pepper. The simplicity lets the dressing shine — and that’s the heart of every Classic Chicken Salad.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook or Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, here are three easy methods:

Poach:
Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water or chicken broth. Add a pinch of salt and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then dice or shred.

Roast:
Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then cool before chopping.

Shortcut:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken — flavorful, tender, and ready to go.

Pro Tip: Slightly warm chicken absorbs dressing better, giving your Classic Chicken Salad richer flavor.

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Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You’re looking for a creamy, silky texture with a little tang from the mustard and lemon.

Chef’s Note: The honey doesn’t make it sweet — it just balances the acidity beautifully.

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Step 3: Mix in the Veggies

Add the chopped celery and onion to the dressing. Stir gently to coat them well.

This is where that classic crunch comes in — it’s what makes the salad refreshing and lively instead of heavy.

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Step 4: Add the Chicken

Fold in the shredded or diced chicken until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle — you want it creamy but still chunky.

Taste and adjust: maybe a little more lemon for brightness, or a pinch more salt for balance.

Flavor Tip: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It gives the flavors time to come together — the secret behind truly Classic Chicken Salad taste.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

Classic Chicken Salad is a blank canvas — you can dress it up, keep it simple, or serve it however your heart desires.

🥪 1. Sandwich Style

Scoop it onto toasted bread, a buttery croissant, or between slices of sourdough with lettuce and tomato.

🥗 2. Salad Bowl

Serve it over mixed greens with sliced avocado and a drizzle of olive oil.

🥬 3. Lettuce Wraps

Scoop it into romaine or butter lettuce cups for a light, fresh lunch.

🧺 4. Picnic Favorite

Pack it cold with crackers or pita chips — it travels beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

🍞 5. Classic Deli-Style Platter

Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or sliced fruit for that perfect café-style meal.

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Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Once you master the base, you can take your Classic Chicken Salad in any direction.

🍇 Sweet & Savory

Add grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a bright, sweet contrast.

🌿 Fresh & Herby

Mix in chopped parsley, dill, or tarragon for a garden-fresh twist.

🥑 Creamy & Dreamy

Mash in half an avocado for an extra-smooth, healthy version.

🌶 Spicy Kick

Stir in a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of sriracha for some heat.

🧀 Gourmet Upgrade

Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar for an indulgent twist.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch and divide into containers — perfect for easy lunches all week long.

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Store your Classic Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pro Tip: If you added fruit or nuts, stir before serving — they may release moisture as it sits.

🔥 Reheating

No reheating needed — this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

❄️ Freezing

Not recommended — the mayo-based dressing can separate when thawed.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

(Serves 4)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg

Balanced, protein-rich, and deeply satisfying, this Classic Chicken Salad is both nourishing and indulgent — a perfect mix of light and hearty.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.

2. Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives better flavor and texture.

3. What type of mayo works best?

Good-quality mayonnaise — classic or olive oil-based.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the Greek yogurt and use all mayo.

5. Can I make it healthier?

Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or add extra celery and herbs for volume.

6. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly.

7. What’s the best bread for sandwiches?

Croissants or whole-grain bread — something sturdy yet soft.

8. Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely — add hot sauce, paprika, or diced jalapeños.

9. Can I add eggs?

Yes! Chopped hard-boiled eggs make it extra rich and creamy.

10. What can I serve with it?

Chips, pickles, fruit salad, or a cup of soup pair beautifully with Classic Chicken Salad.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s something timeless about Classic Chicken Salad. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to bring comfort — creamy, flavorful, and full of memories. From family picnics to weekday lunches, it’s one of those dishes that always feels right.

It reminds us that the simplest meals can be the most satisfying — a little chicken, a few fresh ingredients, and a dressing made with love. No matter how many versions you try, there’s just something about the classic that always hits home.

So go ahead — make a big bowl, pile it high on a sandwich, or sneak a few bites straight from the fridge (we’ve all done it!). Because when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a truly Classic Chicken Salad.

💛 Tried This Recipe?

If you make this Classic Chicken Salad, I’d love to see your creations! Tag your photos and follow me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — where every recipe is made with love and a dash of nostalgia.